7 Quick and Affordable Chicken Breast Recipes for Weeknight Dinner Ideas

Finding time to whip up a delicious dinner on busy weeknights can be a real challenge, but chicken breast is here to save the day! These cheap and easy recipes will help you get a tasty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick stir-fries to simple roasts, there's something for everyone that won't break the bank or your schedule.

Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts For Flavorful Dinners

When you're short on time but still want a tasty meal, quick lemon garlic chicken breasts are a perfect choice. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also bursts with fresh flavors. The combination of lemon and garlic elevates the chicken, making it a delightful option for busy weeknights.

The image showcases a beautifully plated chicken breast, golden and juicy, drizzled with a lemony sauce. It's served alongside fluffy rice and vibrant broccoli, creating a colorful and appetizing meal. This dish is a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients while keeping dinner simple.

Let’s dive into the recipe so you can whip this up in no time!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Steamed broccoli (for serving)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano on both sides.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic: In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it around to avoid burning.
4. Make the Sauce: Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and let it simmer for a minute to create a light sauce.
5. Serve: Plate the chicken with steamed broccoli and rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.

30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken For Sweet And Savory Cravings

When you're short on time but craving something delicious, this 30-minute honey garlic chicken is a lifesaver. The sweet and savory flavors come together beautifully, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also your taste buds.

The image showcases the honey garlic chicken, glistening with a rich sauce and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. It’s served over a generous portion of rice, accompanied by a vibrant salad that adds a refreshing crunch. This dish is not just quick to prepare; it’s also visually appealing, making it a great option for family dinners.

Let’s get right into the recipe so you can whip this up in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the chicken. Stir well to coat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve the chicken over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken For A Taste Of Asia

Teriyaki chicken is a fantastic way to bring Asian flavors to your dinner table without much fuss. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. It's quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The image showcases a delicious bowl of teriyaki chicken, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, alongside a bowl of rice. The vibrant colors and appetizing presentation make it hard to resist!

To make this dish, you’ll need some simple ingredients. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and garlic creates a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Serve it with rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Serve: Spoon the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Creamy Spinach And Artichoke Chicken For A Rich Flavor

This creamy spinach and artichoke chicken is a delightful dish that brings a rich flavor to your weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and artichokes in a creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. You can serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings.

The image showcases two perfectly cooked chicken breasts, smothered in a creamy sauce, surrounded by vibrant green spinach. The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs, adding a pop of color and flavor. A side of crusty bread complements the meal, making it even more enjoyable.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require hours of prep, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach to the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread for dipping.

Simple Garlic Butter Chicken For Quick Dinners

Garlic butter chicken is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. The golden-brown chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes every bite irresistible.

On the plate, you can see tender chicken breasts paired with crispy roasted potatoes and a fresh salad. The vibrant greens add a nice crunch and balance to the meal, making it not just tasty but also visually appealing. This combination is perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Let’s get into the recipe so you can whip this up in no time!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• Olive oil
• Mixed greens (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. While the potatoes are roasting, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine. Then, add the remaining butter and let it melt, creating a delicious sauce.
5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
6. Serve the chicken alongside the roasted potatoes and a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers For A Fun Dinner Idea

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner option? Mediterranean chicken skewers are a fantastic choice! These skewers are colorful, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken, vibrant veggies, and a zesty marinade makes for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

To make these skewers, you’ll need some boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, red onions, and your favorite herbs. The marinade usually includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano or thyme. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken juicy.

Once you have your ingredients ready, simply cut the chicken and veggies into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables. Grill or bake until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. Serve these skewers with a refreshing yogurt sauce or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and onion onto the skewers.
4. Cook: Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve: Enjoy the skewers hot with a side of yogurt sauce or rice.

Lemon Basil Chicken For A Bright And Fresh Dinner

Lemon Basil Chicken is a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh basil make this dish feel light and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with a side of couscous and steamed vegetables, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon juice mixture, which not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat tender. Grilling or pan-searing the chicken gives it a lovely char, enhancing the overall taste. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Gather some boneless chicken breasts, fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The marinade is easy to whip up, and you can let the chicken soak in it while you prepare the sides.

This Lemon Basil Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also visually appealing. The bright yellow lemon slices and vibrant green basil add a pop of color to your plate. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Cooked couscous and steamed vegetables for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
3. Serve: Slice the chicken and arrange it on a plate. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and basil. Serve alongside couscous and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.